Bone Densitometer, Dual Energy may also be referred to as :

Tips for buying Bone Densitometer, Dual Energy

When selecting Bone
Densitometers (Absorptiometer) units, speed should be the main factor.

X-ray Densitometer Systems
should perform scans in less than one minute and perform automatic data
analysis and corrections.

Report management is an
important issue since X-ray Densitometry (DXA) is used for long-term
monitoring and creating reference databases.

There is a broad range of bone
densitometer models designed for specific clinical applications. Buyers
should consider the following features: data mining, analysis options, and
the ability to share old data with a new system.

Beam shape should be
considered when choosing among bone densitometers.

Shorter scan times and higher
patient throughput as a result are achieved with X-ray Densitometer systems
using fan-beam technology, which performs a single sweep across the
patient. However, pencil-beam systems offer lower exposure to radiation
and usually cost less than fan-beam systems.

Facilities considering
whole-body bone densitometer DXA systems should keep in mind that the
installation of such a system usually requires an examination room that
can accommodate the scanner table and the operator console. A room
measuring at least 244 × 244 cm may be necessary, depending on the size of
the table and operator console; small tables are becoming more available.

Bone densitometers may
require certified technicians for proper operation since they use
radiation.

There are some alternatives
to whole-body DXA systems, including peripheral x-ray densitometer and
ultrasound systems. These are smaller and cheaper, and they typically
assess the peripheral rather than the axial skeleton. The radiation
exposure is lower than typical bone densitometers.

Ultrasonic bone densitometers
or Absorptiometers do not use ionizing radiation or need special
facilities, certification, or operation by registered technicians.
Therefore, it is ideal for physician offices, mobile clinics, and other
sites.

DXA is limited to
hospital-based osteoporosis clinics.

Some suppliers offer
financing arrangements under a fee-sharing program to qualifying
facilities to assist with the purchase of a X-ray Densitometer system.
This program requires the payment of a specific fee per tested patient,
and allows the facility to back down from the program at any time and
return the equipment without penalty.